Yerevan, Armenia

Yerevan, Armenia

Armenia, situated along the route of the Great Silk Road, is a landlocked country of rugged mountains and extinct volcanoes, located in the southern Caucasus, between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. It is the smallest of the former Soviet republics, bounded by Georgia on the north, Azerbaijan on the east, Iran on the south, and Turkey on the west.

History

Armenia was a regional empire with a rich culture in the years leading up to the 1st Century CE, at one period controlling all the land between the Black and Caspian Seas. In 301, Armenia was the first state to formally adopt Christianity as its official state religion, twelve years before Rome. It also changed between various dynasties. But after Parthian (Iranian), Roman, Arab, Mongol and Persian occupation, Armenia had been substantially weakened. In 1454, the Ottoman Empire and Safavid Persia divided Armenia among themselves. Numerous monuments and masterpieces of the Ancient era and Middle Ages can be found throughout the country. Tourism in Armenia is rooted in the country's historical landmarks and natural attractions such as the water resorts of Lake Sevan, the hot springs of Arzni and Jermuk, the forests of Dilijan, Aghveran, Tsaghkadzor, Bjurakan and Gugark, and the mountainous natural caves and cliffs of the Southeast region. The 5165 meter Mount Ararat, geographically located in Turkey, is a national symbol of Armenia and is visible from much of the Southwest region. Armenia's history goes back 500,000 years when hunters crossed the lands in search of migrating herds. Armenians are one of the oldest group of people in history. The 12th century was the golden age of Armenia's church architecture. Many cathedrals and monuments were built with frescos in the interior and stone sculptures of Bible related themes. The Khatchkars made in Armenia are unique. They are tomb stones found in hundreds of cemeteries and close to monasteries and cathedrals.

Yerevan

Yerevan is the capital of Armenia. It is Armenia's largest city by far. It is also one of the oldest cities in the world. 2793 years have passed since the foundation of our city. Yerevan lies on the Hrazdan River. The peaks of Mount Ararat and other mountains rise nearby. Yerevan is home to many museums and cultural institutions that sponsor frequent cultural events both large and small.

Educational and cultural facilities in Yerevan include universities, the Armenian Academy of Sciences, a state museum, and several libraries. The largest repository of Armenian manuscripts, and indeed one of the biggest repositories of manuscripts in the world, is the Matenadaran. Zvartnots International Airport serves Yerevan. In the summer and fall, central Yerevan can feel like one big café, with the Opera area being their capital. It remains light out until late, people are out drinking surj (Armenian coffee) and freshest (fruit smoothies), eating pastries and crepes. The days can be hot, so the nights are perfect for sitting out. In the winter it is much quieter out, yet the many teahouses across downtown Yerevan are quite packed as well as downtown's main outdoor winter attraction - ice-skating by the Opera, which opened in December 2005. Spring is beautiful, with short showers and lots of greenery.